Information
Landmark: Bhumibol DamCity: Gulf of Thailand
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Bhumibol Dam, Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Bhumibol Dam (เขื่อนภูมิพล) rises above the Ping River in Tak Province, standing as Thailand’s largest hydroelectric dam and a vital source of water for farms and towns across the country.Spanning the Ping River, the dam powers homes, feeds irrigation canals, keeps floods in check, and delivers water to the central plains of Thailand.The massive concrete arch dam, named for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was finished in 1964 and still stands as one of Thailand’s greatest engineering feats, its curved wall towering above the river below.More than just a vital resource, Bhumibol Dam draws visitors with sweeping mountain views, quiet trails scented with pine, and plenty of ways to unwind or play outdoors.Main features of the Bhumibol Dam, including its towering concrete face rising above the river.The Bhumibol Dam rises an impressive 154 meters and stretches 486 meters across, its concrete wall holding back a gleaming expanse of water-one of the largest dams in Southeast Asia.The dam’s reservoir holds 13.5 billion cubic meters of water and drives eight hydroelectric turbines that generate more than 700 megawatts of power.It supplies energy, supports irrigation, controls flooding, and helps manage fisheries-all boosting Thailand’s renewable output while cutting its dependence on fossil fuels.Step two takes you deeper-imagine turning the page and finding something you didn’t expect.Bhumibol Lake, the vast reservoir behind the dam, spans more than 207 square kilometers, its glassy surface framed by green mountains and dense forest.At sunrise and again at sunset, the view turns breathtaking-soft mist drifts over the water, and everything feels still and calm.Number three.Visitors can hop on a boat cruise across the reservoir, soaking in wide-open views and catching the sparkle of sunlight on the water, or drift toward quiet coves tucked along the lake’s edge.Popular things to do include staying on a cozy houseboat that rocks gently with the water, fishing for bass or trout in the clear lake, and gliding across the calm surface on a kayak or paddleboard at your own pace.The Bhumibol Dam Suspension Bridge gives you a sweeping view of the lake below and the mountains beyond, where the water glints silver in the sun.It’s a fantastic place to shoot photos, especially when the low evening sun turns everything warm and honey-colored.Five.The dam sits close to Mae Ping National Park, where you can hike shaded trails past tumbling waterfalls, explore hidden caves, and spot wildlife along the way.You can hike the park’s winding trails and take in the scent of pine while the landscape unfolds around you.The best time to visit is from November to February, when the air stays cool and dry-ideal for exploring markets, wandering old streets, or hiking under crisp blue skies.From July to October, the rains come steady, and the lake swells to its brim, shining like glass under gray skies.From March through June, the days heat up, yet it’s still perfect for kayaking or splashing in the surf.Bhumibol Dam sits in Sam Ngao District, Tak Province, roughly 60 kilometers north of Tak city and about 430 kilometers from Bangkok-a long drive that winds past green hills and quiet villages.It’s about a five- to six-hour drive from Bangkok-take Highway 1, Phahonyothin Road, toward Tak, then watch for the blue signs pointing to the dam.It’s about an hour to an hour and a half from Tak City-just head north on Highway 1107 until you reach the dam, where the water glints in the sun.Hop on a bus in Bangkok and ride north to Tak, watching the city’s neon fade into quiet stretches of rice fields.From Tak, grab a songthaew-the open-backed local taxi with red benches-and ride it straight to the dam.Where to Stay You can book a night at a floating resort, settle into a guesthouse, or check into one of the local hotels, some with balconies that open right over the water.Floating raft houses let you sleep right on the water, with gentle waves rocking you to sleep.Bhumibol Dam Resort offers cozy rooms that open to sweeping views of the calm, blue lake.Tak City Hotels - a solid pick if you’re eager to wander past the dam and into the winding side streets.Mae Ping National Park is just a short trip away, where you can hear waterfalls rushing, explore shadowy caves, and spot wildlife in the trees.Lan Sang National Park is famous for its waterfalls, where clear water tumbles over dark, mossy rocks.Taksin Maharat National Park is home to Thailand’s largest tree-a towering krabak whose broad trunk disappears into the cool, green canopy above.Wat Phra Borommathat, a revered Buddhist temple in Tak, gleams with golden spires against the afternoon sky.In short, the Bhumibol Dam is both a vital piece of Thailand’s infrastructure and a tranquil place to visit, where the water glitters in the afternoon sun.You might stand in awe of the towering dam, glide across the lake’s glassy surface, trek through rugged trails in the nearby parks, or drift to sleep in a houseboat that rocks gently with the water-here, nature, human ingenuity, and pure leisure meet in one place.
